Know How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

Know How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

Dental implants can improve your smile and give you more self-confidence while interacting with others. To avoid problems and get the most from your dental restorations, take good care of your implants. Implant care starts the moment you leave the dentist’s office. Maintaining a good implant care regimen will allow you to enjoy a great smile for life. 

Brushing and Flossing Daily 

Maintain a good oral hygiene routine where you brush and floss every day. For best results, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the implants. Hard bristles can scratch the implant surface. An interdental brush can help access hard-to-reach areas, such as between implants.

Make sure you floss once a day to remove all plaque and food debris. After brushing and flossing, use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to leave your mouth clean and fresh. 

Avoid Abrasive Oral Products

Avoid using abrasive dental products to clean your dental implants. The products can cause damage and discomfort. Oral products with intense flavors, such as cinnamon and mint, can cause pain. Choose low-abrasive toothpaste for gentle yet effective cleaning. The dentist can recommend products designed for use with dental implants. 

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods 

Some foods can damage your dental implants. Caramel, ice, hard candies, dried fruit, potato chips, and crusty bread are foods to avoid after the dental procedure. You must avoid crunching on raw carrots and apples. Avoid or limit consumption of the foods to keep your implants in good condition. 

Quit Smoking and Tobacco Products

Smoking is harmful to your oral and overall health. Besides slowing the healing after the procedure, smoking can reduce the lifespan of the implants. Long-term effects of tobacco use on oral health include decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. The conditions hurt any dental restorations, including implants. 

Avoid or Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to general health and negatively affects oral health. Dental implants can take up to six months to heal. Consuming alcohol during the recovery period can slow the healing process. It can increase the risk of infections and other complications, affecting the function of dental implants. 

Do Not Use Your Implants As Tools 

Dental implants are usually made from titanium. It makes them stronger than natural teeth, but it does not mean they are indestructible. You must avoid biting your nails or using your implants as tools to open bottles. Grinding or clenching your teeth can damage the implants. If you grind your teeth during sleep, your dentist can recommend a custom night guard. 

Regular Dental Visits 

Dental appointments are essential, whether or not you have dental implants. Scheduling regular visits to the dentist will help ensure that your dental implants remain in good condition. The dentist will check the implants and monitor the progress of the treatment.

The dentist can detect early signs of dental issues before they become severe. With proper care, dental implants can last decades or a lifetime. Implants do not develop cavities, but you should not ignore oral hygiene as bacteria can accumulate near the gum.

For more on how to take care of your dental implants, visit Smile Institute Miami at our Miami, Florida office. Call (305) 590-5228 to schedule an appointment today.